# Organized crime violence in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-violence-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-08-21T12:07:53.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Recent violent incidents in Brazil appear linked to organized crime and factional conflicts.

In Porto Alegre, Luiz Afonso Brankowski Bandeira was killed in a shooting on Benjamim Moresco Street. Police arrested three suspects associated with the ‘Bala na Cara’ gang following the attack, which also left a woman wounded. Investigators suggest the shooting may have been related to gang rivalries or debt collection involving the ‘Os Manos’ group.

In Rio Branco, Elias de Oliveira Júnior, an individual with a history of drug trafficking, survived an ambush on the BR-364 highway. Four men in a white vehicle opened fire on his car, striking him in the leg. Authorities investigating the incident believe the attempted murder is connected to conflicts between criminal factions.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Elias de Oliveira Júnior targeted in Rio Branco ambush

Elias de Oliveira Júnior, a man with a criminal history known as ‘Sabiá’, was shot in the leg during an ambush in Rio Branco, Brazil, suspected to be linked to organized crime factions.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/acrelndia-land-dispute-leads-to-fatal-confrontation

### 2026-08-06: Luiz Afonso Brankowski Bandeira killed in Porto Alegre shooting; three suspects arrested

Luiz Afonso Brankowski Bandeira was shot dead in Porto Alegre; three Bala na Cara gang members were arrested in connection with the incident.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luiz-afonso-brankowski-bandeira-killed-in-porto-alegre-shooting-three-suspects-arrested

---
Cite as: Organized crime violence in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-violence-in-brazil